Blank-conveying apparatus.



Patented Apr. 27, 1909. 5 SHEBTS-SHEI1T 1L P. H. STANDISHl BLANK GONYEYING APPARATUS. APPLIUATION FILED JUNE 17,1907.

ms Mmqz/s fue NaRRls PETERS ca., wAsmzgn-rau, n. c4

P. H. STANDISH.

BLANK CONVEYING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 17,1907.

91 9,487. l i Patented Apr. 27, 1909.

Rs co4, wAsH rrvarolv, u. c.

P. H. STANDISH.

BLANK CONVEYING APPARATUS.

APPLIOATION FILED JUNI: 17.1907.

9 1 9,487, Patented Apr. 27, 1909.

- SHEETS-SHEET a.

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P. H. STANDISH. BLANK CONVEYING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 1'1, 1907.

Patented Apr. 2'?, 1909.

5 SHEETS-SHEET L P. H. STANDISH. BLANK CONVEYING APPARATUS.

APPLIOATION FILED JUNE 17,1907.

Patented Apr. 27, 1909.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

` TH! MORRIS PETERS C0., Wl INUTDN D C PHILANDER H. STANDISH, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO.

BLANK-CONVE YING APPARATUS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented April 27, 1909.

Application filed. `Tune 17, 1907. Serial No. 379,441.

T 0 all whom it may concer/n:

Be it known that I, PHILANDER H. STAN- DIsi-I, a citizen of the United States of America, residing at Cleveland, in the county of Cuyahoga and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful improvements in Blank- Conveying Apparatus; and I hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to improvements in apparatus for conveyino' blanks to means adapted to operate on tie blanks, and the invention pertains more especially to apparatus for conveying heated blanks, which have open joints and are suitable for making chain-links, rings and the like, from a heating furnace to means employed in welding, forging or otherwise operating` on the blanks to close and shape or finish the joints.

The primary object of this invention is to provide apparatus of the character indicated which is simple and inexpensive and otherf wise advantageous in construction and convenient, accurate and reliable in operation, and to make chain-links, rings and Vother articles with greater facility and more cheaply than heretofore so as to materially reduce the cost of the product.

'Vith this object in view, and to the end of realizing any other advantages hereinafter appearing, this invention consists in certain features of construction, and combinations of parts, hereinafter described, pointed out in the claims and illustrated in the accompanying di'awings.

In the said drawings, Figure 1 is a top plan of apparatus embodying my invention.

Fie. 2 is a vertical section on line 2 2, Fig. 1, looking in the direction indicated by the arrow, but to avoid confusion of lines in Fig. 2 the shafts indicated by the reference characters O8 and s in other figures of the drawings are not shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 3 is a vertical section on line 3 3, Fig. 2, looking in the direction indicated by the arrow, but to avoid confusion of lines in Fig. 3 the shaft indicated by the reference-character y in other figures of the drawings is omitted in Fig. 3. Fig. 4 is a vertical section partially `corresponding with and drawn on a larger scale than Fig. 3, but in Fig. 4 the blank-conveying tongs is shown in position to receive a blank, and a blank-holder of the rotary blank-carrier for feeding blanks to the said tongs is shown holding a blank in the position required to accommodate the delivery of the ysaid blank to means employed in guidinO the blank to the tongs. Fig. 5 is a verticalJ section on line 5 5, Fig. 4, looking in the direction indicated by the arrow. Fig. 6 is a vertical section in detail and illustrative of the removal of the blank from the rotary blank-feeder to the blank-coiiveying tongs. Fig. 7 is a vertical section on line 7 7, Fig.

,6, looking in the direction indicated by the arrow. Fig. S is a vertical section largely corresponding with Fig. 1, but in Fig. 8 the blank is shown as having been fed to and grasped by the blank-conveying tongs. Fig. 9 is a vertical section on line 9 9, Fig. 1, looking in the direction indicated by the arrow. Fig. 10 is a section in detail on line 10 10, Fig. 3, looking in the direction indicated by the arrow. Fig. 11 is a vertical section in detail illustrating the tongs in the position required to enable the tongs-bearing shaft to be actuated endwise in the direction of the anvil, and shows also a portion of the mechanism employed in shifting the said shaft in the said direction. Fig. 12 is a vertical section` in detail, showing the mechanism employed in actuating the tongs-bearing shaft endwise. Fig. 13 is an elevation in dctail, partly in section, of the mechanism employed in operating the hammer. Fig. 14 is an elevation in detail partly in section, illustrating the mechanism for swinging the tongs upwardly from the anvil between successive blows of the hammer. Fig. 15 is an elevation in detail partly in section, showing more especially the mechanism employed in turning the tongs when the tongs have been swung upwardly from the anvil. Fig. 16 `is an elevation in detail, partly in section, illustrating the mechanism for actuating the tongs-closing sleeve in the direction required to render the sleeve inoperative. Figs. 1, 2 and 3 are drawn on a smaller scale than the remaining figures, and portions are broken away in the drawings to reduce their size and to more clearly show the construction.

'Referring to the drawings, A (see Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 11) indicates the casing of a furnace which is rendered stationary in any approved manner. The casing A has legs c.

B indicates the combustion or heating chamber of the furnace, which chamber is arranged centrally of thc furnace as shown in Figs. 1 and 3.

O represents an air-pipe or flue that disl'lO chamber.

char es into the chamber B through an a )eron. l

ture b only shorn 1n dotted lines big. l and y formed 1n one of the end vralls of the sa1d D (see Fig. l) represents a pipe arranged to conduct gas, oil, or other fluid used fuel, to the chamber B. The pipe D is arranged centrally of the air-flue C and discharges Within and centrally of the aperture b and such a distance from the discharging end of the said aperture that the gas or substitute and the air Ywill commingle before being discharged into the chamber l.

G (see Figs. l and 3) represents a shaft which is arranged vertically and externally' and at one side of and a suitable distance from the furnace centrally betveen the ends of the furnace. r.lf'he shaft G is supported in any approved manner and forms a portion and is arranged centrally of the rotary carrier or feeder employed in feeding the blanks or articles to be heated into and vrithin the heating chamber B of the furnace7 and the said chamber is arranged concentrically of the said shaft and consequently concentrically of the said carrier or feeder, and the combustible mixture Ywhich constitutes the fuel to be discharged and burned Within the said chamber is introduced into the chamber through the aperture l) as already indicated.

The heating chamber B (see Figs. 1 and 3) extends to the top surface of the furnace but the upper portion B of the said chamber is narrower than the central and lov-ier portions of the chamber so as to concentrate the heat at the point Where the blanks or articles to be heated are suspended and to prevent the heat from blov; ing or shooting upwardly out of the furnace. lt will be observed therefore that the blanks or articles to be heated are suspended and heated during the operation of the rotary blank-feeder Within the upper and narrower portion B of the chamber B, and preferably the said upper and narrorver portion of the said chamber is just vfide enough to freely accommodate the suspension therein of the blanks to be heated. rllhe rotary blank feeder also comprises a v-Jheel H which is operatively mounted on the shaft G a suitable distance above the furnace. The Wheel H has a circumferentially extending annular rim 7L and is provided with blankholders I by which the blanks to be heated are suspended vcithin the upper portion B of the heating chamber B. The blank-holders I are attached to the rim H in any approved manner. The blank-holders l are equidistantly spaced circumferentially of the Wheel H and arranged radially of the said wheel. It Will be observed therefore that the blankholders l are supported from and arranged radially relative to the shaft G and spaced equidistantly circumferentially of the said shaft. Each blank-holder l extends laterally and outwardly and downwardly from the Wheel-rim 7L and terminates at'its outer and lower end in a hook 8 adapted foo receive a blank to be fed into and within the upper Jrtion B of the heating chamber B.

The arrangement of the heating chamber B and the rotary blank-feeder Which, as already indicated, comprises the shaft G, v/heel H and holders l is such that a blank hung upon the outer and hook-forming end of a holder l externally of the furnace, is during the rotation of the feeder conveyed into and within and longitudinally of the upper portion B of the said chamber so as to be properly heated in its passage through the said chamber. ln Figs. l, 3, 4 and 5 a chainlink-blank u which is next to be removed from the rotary blank-feeder is shown depending from a blank-holder l into the said upper portion B of the said chamber at the point where the heated blanks are removed from the furnace. The rotary blank-feeder is'intermittently actuated as will hereinafter appear, and the end Walls of the upper portion B of the heating chamber are recessed in the top thereof, as at b, Fig. l, to accommodate the passage or travel of the blankholders l into and out of the said chamber. Each blank-holder I consists preferably of a suitably bent round rod, and the inner and upper end-portion of the said blank-holder operates as the tooth of a ratchet-wheel, being rounded at least on top to facilitate the operative engagement therewith by a suitably applied an( suitably operated pavl P which is shown integral or rigid with one end of a rod j) which (see Figs. l, 2 and 9) is suitably pivoted at its other end, as at p, to a lever g2 vwhich is looselymounted or journaled upon an xle F vwhich is supported in any approved manner from a member of stationary frame-Work J. rThe axle F is arranged at one side of and a suitable distance from a cam-shaft E which is suitably su ported from the said frame-Work and operatively provided (see Fig. l) with a gear or driving Wheel E to which povfer is suitably applied. The shaft E and axle F are parallel, and the lever p2 is arranged adjacent one end of the shaft E and operatively connected by a rod or link p3 with the Wrist e2 of a crank E2 with which the said end of the shaft E is operatively provided. The shaft E is during the operation of the apparatus rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow c.

An arm (see Figs. 1 and 3) is shown turnably embracing the shaft G and rests upon the hub of the Wheel H. The arm sc extends laterally from the shaft G to the paWl P Which is loosely mounted on-the said arm. The connection of the arm With the shaft G is loose enough to freely accommodate the operation of the paWl P. The arrangement of the parts is such that motion is transmitted during each complete rotation of the shaft E to the rotary blank-feeder from the llO shaft E through the medium ofg'the crank E2, link p3, lever and the rod p and its pawl'P, and the said blank-feeder is turned during the said rotation of the shaft E far enough to bring the blank-holder l from which a blank is neXt to be removed into its blank-delivering position, and in l`igs. 1, 3 and Ll the said blank-holder is in the said position holding a blank fu at the point where the blank is removed from the said blank-holder onto and along a guide g to the blank-conveying tongs comprising two cooperating Mani-grasping jaws t.

T indicates the body-portion of the tongs, which body-portion is mounted on and Vfixed to one end of a laterally extending oscillatory shaft K which (see lfigs. l, 2 and Ll) has bearing in two boxes l spaced longitudinally of the shaft a suitable distance from the tongs and centrally between the tongs-bearing end and opposite end of the shaft. The boxes Z are integral or rigid with a turn-table Z which is provided with a depending hub L which has lateral bearing in a correspondingly arranged upright box fm which iis supported as will hereinafter appear. The turn-table Z is mounted on the upper end of the box fm'. The jaws t of the tongs are pivoted, as at t, to the body-portion T horizontally and transversely of the shaft K and are colisequently capable of swinging toward and from each other to close and open the tongs spectively. The tongs are arranged with their jaws open and one above the other in their blank-receiving position, as shown in llig. 4, and a suitably applied spring 2 interposed between the jaws and between the axes and the out-er or blank-grasping ends of the aws acts to retain the aws snnng apart and consequently open.

rfhe guide g preferably consists of a castiron plate which (see lligs. l, 3 and el) is mounted on the furnace and rendered stationary in any approved manner and arranged radially relative to tho rotary blankfeeder hereinbefore described. The plate or guide g has an upwardlyr facing blank-guiding surface g/ which is arranged substantially horizontally centrally between the ends of the said surface and at the blank-receiving end of the guide slopes, as at g2, upwardly and in the direction of the opposite end of the guide and at the last-mentioned end slopes upwardly, as at g, in the same direction and extends into close proxin'iity to the tongs in the blank-receiving position of the tongs, as shown in Ll. The shaft K and the tongs borne thereby are also arranged radially relative to the rotary blank-feeder in the blank-receiving position of the tongs, as shown in l.

By the construction hereinbefore described -it will be observed that the tongs have a the tongs are actuated laterally in the one direction or the other according as the turntable l is turned in the one or the other direction; that the tongs are in their 1plankreceiving position when they are at one extremity of their said lateral movement; that the tongs at the other extremity of the said lateral movement are in position in front of or adjacent to means employed in welding, shaping or otherwise operating on the blank and. consisting, in the apparatus illustrated, of an anvil U and a hammer V arranged a suitable distance from the furnace and rotary l-lank-feedr-r.

l'Vhen a link-blank u having unjoined extremities has been brought into position for delivery from the engaging blank-holder l onto the guide q the blank is removed Yfrom the said blank-holder onto the aforesaid sur- 'face g of the guide and along the said surface to the tongs, and the blank is so removed from die hook S of the engaging blank-holder l onto the guide that the unjoined extremities of the blank delivered onto the guide are presented toward the blanla-receiving end ol' the guide so that the said extremities of the blank when the blank has been received by the tongs will project forwardly of and be arranged externally of the tongs. It will be observed therefore that a blank received by the tongs, as shown in Fig. S, projects from the tongs 'forwardly in a horizontal plane toward the rotary blank-feeder, and that the upper inclined portion g3 of the blank-guiding surface is instrumental in bringing the blank into parallelism with the tongs, and the guide g extends into the upper portion B of the heating chamber B, as shown in Figs. 1% and 4, into such proximity to and enough lower than the blank to be removed 'from the engaging blank-holder onto the guide that dropping of the blank into the 'furnace during the removal of the blank from the blankholder is avoided.

The means for removing the next blank to be removed from the rotary blank-il'eeder to and along the guide g to the tongs preferably comprises a suitably supported and suitably operated endwise shiftablo rod lt which (see lfigs. l, 4, 6, S and 10) has a limited range of movement vert ically am l is arranged above and movable longitudinally of the guide ,f/ and provided at its forward` end (see also Figs. 5 and 7) with two laterally spaced and laterally springy members r arranged to remove the blank from the blank-holder onto and along the guide to the tongs during the actuation of the rod. lhc rod l has bearing on a shaft-arm Ol and within the upright arm 21 of a suitably supported bracket 20, and the said s raft-arm and the said bracketarm are spaced longitudinally of the rod, and O represents the oscillatory shaft which is range of movement .laterally in a horizontal operatively provided with the said shaft-arm lanel that the shaft K and conse uentl t and arranged horizontall r below and translil 0 versely of the rod R but above the lateral travel of the tongs.

The shaft-arm C is provided fith two upwardly projectingl flanges O2 arranged at opposite sides respectively-of the rod R and preventing displacement of the rod laterally from the shaft-ai and the said flanges are connected above the rod by a pin O which prevents displacement of the-rod upwardly from the said shaft-arm. The flanges O2 and the connecting pin G3 constitute means therefore for holding the rod R to the shaft-arm without interfering with the endwise movement of the rod, and the shaft O is oscillated during the rearwardly endwise movement of the rod to raise the shaft-arm from the blank immediately upon the delivery of the blank to the tongs and against the action of a suitably applied spring O4 hereinafter referred to and shown in Fig. l.

T he laterally springy members of the rod ll are arranged at opp. sides respectively of and suitably lined to the rod. lfhe members 1 project forwardly and dowfnwardly from the rod and preferably converge somewhat to'ward their lower ends and approach each other near enough at said ends to render them capable of entering the link-blank yu next to be removed from the rotary blankfeeder when the said blank has been removed with the guide g. The blank-engageable members 1 are adapted to straddle the blankholder l from which a blank 'it is next to be removed, and each member r is pr vided near its lower end with forwardy projecting portion 1*. rThe portions 1^ of the menibers 1 diverge for' fardly to facilitate the straddling of the said blank-holder by the said members 11, and the arrangement of the parts is such that the portions 1^ of the members 1" during the forward actuation of the rod move opp 'te sides resnec'tively /f the blank-holder l from which a blank is next to be removed and cause the said members 1 to f be spread apart if necessary the required distance to insure the straddling of the said blanl-i-holder by the said members 1. The extent of the forward movement of the rod ll is such that the blank-engageable members 11 during the said movement of the said rod are moved somewhat rearwardly o the blank and during the said forward n'iovement of the rod the shaft (l is oscillated in the direction required to lower its arm fl and thereby cause the rod to be lowered bj-,r the action of the spring O4, and blank-engageable members 1l when they have been lowered by the said spring are arranged in their blankremoving position the rear of the blank, shown in Figs` and 5, so that during the next rearward movement the rod the blank is removed from the blank-holder along the guide g toward the tongs. as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, and delivered to the tongs, as shown 1n Fig. 8.

The shaft G is operatively provided with another laterally projecting arm O5 which (see Figs. l, 3, e, 8 and lo) is operatively connected by a link O with an arm 07 ope :ively mounted on a shaft 03 which. is arranged horizontally and parallei with but below the shaft 0. rlie shaft OS .is operatively provided in suitable proximity to the cani-shaft E (see Fig. l) with an arm @9 provided with a projecting member U10 arranged to be engaged by the working surface e3 of a cam-wheel E3 operatively nounted on the said cam-shaft, and the arrangement of the parts is such that immediately upon the delivery of the blank to the tongs from the guide g the working surface e3 of the said cam-wheel shall have come into engagement with tne projecting member O10 of the shaft-arm C and not only oscillate the shafts O8 and C in the direction required. to raise the shaft-arm G and consequently the rod far enough to lift the blank-engageable members 1 from the blank, but to hold. the arm U and consequently the rod in their upper position until the proper time during the next succeeding forward movement of the rod. l would here remark that the shaft @s is also operatively provided with an upwardly projecting arm 012 as shown in l, and the spring 04 i attached at one end to the said arm Cf" and at its other end to any stationary object, such, for instance, as a member of the stationary frame-work J.

lt will be observed that the lower ends of the blank-cngageable members 1q of the rod R enter 'lie link-ldank u yduring the removal of the said blank from the engaging blankholder and thereby prevent lateral displacement of the link during the said removal, but to positively avoid any lateral displacement whatsoeverY of the blank during its passage from the engaging blank-holder to and along the guidegto the tongs, the said guide (see Figs. l, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8) is provided with two laterally spaced upwardly projecting flanges g4 arranged at and extending sui'A ble distance along opposite sides respectively of the travel of the blank to the tongs.

The forward actuation of the rod l is effected through the medium of a link R which (see lligs. l, 3 and 4) operatively connects the said rod with an upwardly projecting arm R2 operatively mounted on one end of a shaft lll* which is arranged horizontally and parallel with the shafts O and O8, and the shaft its is operatively provided at its opposite end (see lfig. l) with an upwardly projecting arm Rt which has a projecting member R5 arranged to be engaged by the working surface c* of a Carr-wheel E4 operatively mounted upon the cam-shaft E, and the parts are so arranged and timed that immediately upon the actuation of the blank next to be removed from the blank-feeder into position for removal the rod R shall have been actuated forwardly against the action of a suitably applied spring R and brought its blank-removing members 11 into their' blank-removing position. The spring R6 is attached at one end to an arm R7 operatively mounted on and depending from the shaft R3 and at its other end to any suitable support, such, for instance, as a table M which bears the box m and consequently the turn-table Z and is provided with the bracket 20.

Means for closing the jaws t of the tongs immediately upon the reception by and between the said jaws of a blank are provided and (see Figs. 2, si. and 8) comprise a sleeve s which is loosely mounted on and shiftable endwise of the shaft K between the turntable Z and the tongs. Each jaw t is provided with' a rearwardly projecting arm t3 and the outer ends of the jaw-arms t3 diverge toward their outer or free extremities, and the sleeve s is rounded at its forward end to facilitate the passage of the sleeve forwardly between the jaw-arms. A collar K suitably fixed on the shaft K and smaller in external diameter than the rear end of the sleeve s is arranged to limit the rearward movement of the sleeve. A shaft s is arranged horizontally and parallel with the shaft 0S and between the said shaft and the turn-table Z. The shaft s is operatively provided with an upwardly projecting arm s2 arranged to overlap and engage the rear end of the sleeve s during the oscillation of the shaft in the required direction and actuate the latter' forwardly against the action of a suitably applied spring s3 which is shown attached at one end to a member s depending from and integral with the said arm s2 and at its opposite end to any stationary object, such, for instance, as the furnacecasinv' A. The shaft s extends into suitable proximity to the cam-shaft E and is operatively provided (see Fig. 1) with a laterally projecting arm S5 arranged to be engaged at its upper side by a revoluble member E5 operatively connected with the camshaft E. The revoluble member E5 is formed preferably by a lugI which is formed integral with and projects from a cam E which is operatively mounted on the shaft E and hereinafter referred to. The parts are so arranged and timed that the revoluble member E5 shall have come into engagement with the upper side of the shaft-arm 85 and vthereupon oscillate the shaft s against the action of the spring s3 in the direction required to cause the shaft-arm s2 to come into engagement with the rear end of the sleeve sand actuatc the latter forwardly faz` enough to pass between and spread apart the j avv-arms t and thereby close the jaws t against the action of the spring t2 immediately upon the reception of a blank by the tongs.

The shafts O8 and S as well as the shaft R3 are supported at one end from the table M and at their other end (see Fig. 1) have loose bearing in boxes 23, 24 and 25 respectively formed on the stationary frame-work J. The furnace and the blank-conveying apparatus are of course relatively positioned vertically, but to readily accommodate a 'line adjustment of the tongs vertically relative to the guide g, and more especially a fine adjustment vertically of the blank-removing members 1' relative to the said guide and the rotary blank-feeder, the table M which, as already indicated, is instrumental in bearing the tongs-bearing turn-table Z and the rod R and connected blank-removing members 1", is pivoted at one end, as at 2G, to the stationary frame-work J horizontally and parallel with the camshaft E (see Figs. 1, 2, 12 and 14) and at its opposite end rests upon a nut 27 which (see Figs. 2 and 12) is mounted on a vertically arranged stud 28 which is rigid with and projects upwardly from a suitably applied standard 29. Obviously by a slight manipulation of the nut N a fine adjustment vertically of the table Mis attainable. Any boxes or bearings provided for the shafts O8, s and R3 and borne by the stationary frame-work J should be loose enough to accommodate the said adjustment of the said table l.

As already indicated, the shaft K and consequently the tongs are arranged in a horizontal plane in the blank-receiving position of the tongs, as shown in Figs. el and 8. The shaft K and consequently the tongs are, immediately upon the reception and grasping of a blank by the tongs, swung or actuated laterally in a horizontal plane to bring the tongs into position for delivery of the blank to the anvil U. The actuation of the tongsbearing shaft li laterally in a horizontal plane is effected, as already indicated, by turning the turn-table Z which is turned in the one direction or the other according as the tongs is to be brought into its blank-reeeiv ing position or into position for delivery of the blank to the anvil U. A

The means for actuating the turnetable Z and conse( uently swinging the tongs-bearing shaft laterally in either direction (see Figs. 1 and 2) preferably comprise a cam E7 operatively mounted on the shaft E and having its working peripheral surface engaged by a roller Z7 borne by one arm of a bell-crank-lever Z5 which is fulcrumed, as at ZA1 horizontally and parallel with the shaft E, to a stationary object, such, for instance, as a member of the frame-work J', and has its other arm operatively attached by a connecting rod Z3 with the turn-table Z. A suitably applied spring Z, which is shown attached at one end to the lever Z5 and at its other end to the stationary frame-work J, acts to retain the roller-bearing arm of the lever ZAl in engagementjvith the cam E7, and

the parts are so arranged and timed, and the trend of the working peripheral surface of the cam E7 is such that the turn-table Z is tuated in the direction required to swing the tongs-bearingshaft laterally in the direction required to actuate the blank-holding tongs from their blank-receiving' position into position for delivery of the blank to the anvil U and hold them long` enough in the last-mentioned position to accommodate the forward movement of the tongs-bearing shaft, as will hereinafter appear, to bring` the blank into a recess U formed in the top of the anjacent portion of the anvil and to accommodate also the operation upon the blank thus brought into the said recess by the cooperatingl anvil and hammer and to furthermore accommodate the withdrawal of the blank from the anvil upon the completion of the work upon the blank by the hammer and anvil.

The tongs when they have been actuata d into position for delivery of the blank held thereby to the anvil are in front of or adjacent the anvil-recess U, as shown in Fig. 11, and in position to render the tongs capable, upon being actuated endwise and forwardly, to bring the blank into the said recess, but of course preparatory to the actuation of the tongs forwardly to bring the blank into the said recess, the heated extremities of the blank, if the said extremities are spread apart as shown in Figs. 8, a and S, are butted or lapped together, as at u, as shown in Figi 1l, to form a closed oint, and the said butting or squeezing together of the said extremities of the blank preparatory to the actuation of a blank into the said recess is accomplished in any well known manner. Mechanical means for squeezing or butting the eX- tremities of an open ringl or link together are so well known in the art that description and illustration thereof in this specification are not considered necessary. lf, however', lanks to be operated on have their ends not spread apart and are already in shape to be welded or otherwise operated upon no operation upon the heated extremities of the blanks is necessary. Fig. 2 illustrates a closed linlblank having` been brought into position within the recess U of the anvil in which position the blank is arranged half above and half below the top surface of the anvil, and the closed extremities of the blank are properly welded together or united by the eooperation of the anvil U and hammer V.

T he means for effecting the forward movement of tongs-bearing shaft to actuate the tongs forwardly as required to bring the blank into position within the anvil-recess U comprise the following:-The shaft l (see Figs. l1 and l2) extends from the tongs, which are arranged at one side of the turntable Z as already indicated, through the boxes Z and Z of the turn-table and a suitable distance beyond the opposite side of the turntable and is provided at the last-mentionedl side and a suitable distance from the turntable with a washer or collar K2 which is provented from moving outwardly away from the turn-table and toward the rear end of the shaft by a pin K3 with which the said shaft is provided, A spiral spring,l K4 is mounted and confined upon the shaft li between the collar or washer K2 and the outer end of the adjacent box Z and acts to retain the shaft and consequently the tongs in their rearward position. The shaft K is arranged to be actuated forwardly against the action of the spring; l@ by the inwardly curved face of a head 0; formed upon. the forward end of a push-bar x which is shiftable endwise forwardly and rearwardly relative to the rear end of the shaft K and has bearingI in a sleeve x2 loosely mounted on and shiftable endwise of the said bar. A spiral spring is mounted and confined upon the bar x between the head it" and the sleeve x2. The bar is provided with a pin 954 which engages a slot a5 formed in and extending,` a suitable distance longitudinally of the sleeve x2,'and engaging the forward end wall of the said slot in the rearward position of the sleeve. acts to push the bar a; forwardly and the engagement of the pin fr* with the forward end wall of the slot limits the forward movement of the bar independently of the barembracing sleeve x2. A shaft y arranged horizontally and parallel with the cam-shaft E is located below the sleeve and suitably supported from the table M. The shaft y is operatively provided at one end with a depending arm y wliich is operatively connected by a connecting rod y1 with an upright tilting lever g5 arranged to tilt in a vertical plane and fulcrumed, as at y?, horizontally and parallelly with tie cam-shaft E to the si* tionary frame-work J. The lever is provided at its upper end and a suitable distance above its fulcrum with a roller y which engages the working peripheral surface or the cam E already hereinbefore referred to. .lhe shaft y is also operatively provided with an upwardly ecting' arm y2 which is operatively attached at its upper end to the sleeve lf2, which arm is provided with a projecting lu if which extends under the sleeve .r2 and forms a seat or bottom-bearing for the sleeve in the rearward or outer position of the sleeve, as shown in Figs. ll and l2. A suitably applied spring g8 acts to retain the said sle eve in its said position and also acts to retain the roller y of the lever y in engagement with the cam E, which spring is shown attached at one end to the lever a suitable distance bclow the fulcrum of the lever, and at its opposite end to the stationary frame-work d, T he arrangement of the parts is such and the peripheral working surface of the cam E has such trend that as soon as the blank borne by the tongs has been brouO-ht into position and put inte Shape il necessary l'or delivery io the anvil U the earn lil actuators ihe lever '1i/' against thi aotion oll the epiing y and iu ihe direction required io oscillare the shalt g/ in the direction requirei'l io eileet ihe forward movement of ihe sleeve .r2 and push-bar '.1' and thereby result in the ae'uation ol ihe tongs-bearing shelf; forwardly againsl ilze action of the Spring bl andv iar enough 'io bring the blank borne by the {i1-ugs inio preiiion within ihy anv'iln'eeeeey U" preparaimy to the operation el ihe haninier 'Y upon ihe blank, and the trend` or the aforesaid surfe( e el' the ea1n-\vheel E is furthermore Such that the tongs-bearing rait is held in iis forward position until the werk upen ihe blank by ihe hanuner V and anvil ll has been eoinpleiird, whereupon the tongs-bearing' slal'i is rendered free io be returned ini'o iis rear peeii'ion by the spring' li".

The upper and lower ends oi" the push-barhead a" diverge forwardly io insure a proper engagement el: the push-ber :c with ihe filiali K during' the forward. aeiuaiion of ihe bar, and it will be ebeeu ed ihei, ille extension ol the pin 3;* inio ihe klei nf in i ie sleeve prevenisI turnii'ig-g of the said bar.l and the epring .r3 aii'ords relief io prevent breakage or inlury to any nernler ol ibe apparatus by any abnormality or iinperl'eeiY entre ice or oiher obstruei'ion io ihe passage oi the blank inio ihe anvil-recess U. ln other words, ihe bar a; and Spring; 9; forni, somewhat yieldable means for aeiuaiing; ihe si allr l and Consequently the tongs ierwm'dly when the ronge are in position for ihe ineeri ion ol the blank into the Said recess il. Ae soon ae the blank has been broughi i'nio poeiiion within the anvil-reeer-ih U the hannrer Y is aeiuaied io deliver l'our successive blows upon the blank to weld. or unile ihe exireniiiiee of ihe blank iogei'her. rlie hanu er v (see "ig'.--' l, 2 and i3) is arranged io swing; in e.. vel-tival plane above ih i anvil il, i. pivoied7 as; ai

l horizontally and pai 'iih ihe (zainehal't E io any eiaivion i oleei, such, ior

r insianee, as a nienlber ol ihe i'1arne-\'\'ork il', and the hanuner operatively eonnoeied by a link with n erin l. operaiivel mounted on a shaft l. which is arranged parallel with the earn-.Sliai'i` lil and a 4euiiable die tz nee below ihe hannner and eupperi'ed l'roin the said {rami-work. The s'. :alti Y* il'. :ii-leo operatively pro'i'ided with an arini'wbirh is provided witl a roller Y engeged bv e reni El operativ/elf, niounied on the fV i v -i aiv which Cain has the :shape required to cause ihe haninier t i d blown` eliver four eueeeeeive duringI ea 'fh rota ion off' t ie ('ain-ehal'i. rihe hannner "f is ar 'angjed to delii er iisv blows l u, gravity, and ihe arrangenrent el' the parie and the trend elt the working' surfaces oi the ealn El@ are auch that ihe hanuner Y ie raised preparatory io the iru'ertion of ihe blank into the anvil-recess U', and that inil l l l i i i niediaiely upon the delivery ol the blank i'o the anvil ihe shalt Y is osiillai'ed in opposiie direciions iliernaiely uniil ihe hainn er hanl delivered lour blow` upon ihe blank.

'i'o properly weld a link or the like the hainnier-blows` should be :il-iernaiely delivered upon opporiie sidesl olI ihe blank, and hence neane for giving ihe longs and blank izo be welded a half iurn in the interval of time beiween ei1('('e-':-'ive hainnier-blows are provided and (see Vibe. l, 2, il, Li and l5) prei'- erably eoinpriee a pinion 7i' which op raiively mounted upon the shalt K between ihe boxes: Z" and Z by the well known means'l ole zlrrooi'eernil-leaiher, as at l, as shown in Vig'. "i, and ihe groove ol ihe last-mentioned neauf; :Mende lar enough longitudinally oi he ehr-iig ae at lil, in ihe direeiion ol' ihe rear end oi' ihe shalt io r-,eeonnnoi'laie ihe lorwardly endwise niov'enient elE the shalt. The pinion L' meshes wii'li a bevel-gear 'n arranged under ihe shaft ll and beiween ihe shalt and ihe iurn-iable l and resin upon ihe laiier. rlhe gear n is i'wire as large diametrii-fally and eonsequenily han iwiee as many ieeih as ihe pinion 7.,'. 'ihe gear n is arranged with iis axle ooineideni with the axis oi ihe turn-table Z and is pri'il'erably iixed i o an axle 1i anang'ed eenirallj.' ol' ihe iurntable and exi'ending reriieally ihroug'h ihe rub L el' the iurn-iable7 which hub ie iubular Yo ail'ord lateral bearing' ilo ihe said axle. ihe gear n is provided at one side wii'h a laierally projecting' arin n2 which is operatively eonnei'ied by a connecting' rod n, wiih one arm ol' a bell-crank-iever fnl which ie fuleruined, as ai' In, horizonially and parallelly with 'ihe eauashal't 'lil to any Staiionary objei'i', sui-h, lorinsiani'e, as a nieniber oil ihe freine-work fl, and has ii'e oiher arni provided wiih a roller yn" whioh engages ihe peripheral .vorking;` :surface ol' a earn lil* operativelyy iuouni ed on ihe shaft lil, and ihe said lever is held with its roller in engagement with the said surface by a suitably applied spring' n 7 which is shown attached at one end to ihe said roller-bearing lever-arm and at iis oiher end io any stationary object, suoli, for insianre as a ineniber oll the ire-niework (l.

The tongs bearingl shaft K and Consequently the tongs nrust be swung,l or nioved upwardly to bring` the blank or work out ol the anvil-recess U in order to permit the turning of the blank as hereinbefore describedv7 and the means employed for Swinging' or moving the tongs upwardly lroin the anvil preparatory to eaeh half turn given to the tongs between successive blows ol the hainrner lv" (see Fiv's. l and lll) comprise a Cani E operatively mounted on the canishait E and having' a peripheral working surface engaged by the roller m borne by the upper end ol an upright lever m7 fulerunied at any suitable point between the ends, as ai;

site sides of tne blank alternately.

m8, horizontally and parallelly with the said shaft (see also Fig. 2) to any stationary object, such, llorinstance, as a member of the frame-work il, and operatively Connected at its lower end by a connecting rod m (see also F ig. 4) with an arm m5 depending from and rigid with the box m. rl"he box m is pivotally supported from the table M, having two laterally and upwarilly proj eeting arms m2 arranged at opposite sides respectively of the box and pivoted, as at m, horizontally and parallelly with the cam-shaft E, to the frame M. A suitably applied spring m'1 acts to retain the roller-bearing lever 7Min engagement with the cam El* and consequently acts to retain the tongs-bearing shaft in its downwardly swung or horizontal position. The spring m4t is shown attached at oneend to the arm m5 and at its other end to the stationary framework J. The table M is slotted or cut away, as at M, to accommodate the swinging of the box m. The arrangement of the parts and the trend of the working surfaces of the cams E8 and E are such that as soon as the hammer V between successive blow-delivering movements of the hammer has swung upwardly far enough to permit the raising of the b ank-bearing tongs above the anvil far enough to accommodate turning of the blank, the Ycani E@ actuates the lever mv7 against the action of the spring m4 and in the direction required to swing the box m in a vertical plane and in the direction required to swing the tongs-bearing shaft K and consequently the tongs upwardly, and as soon the tongsbearing shaft has thus been swung upwardly tar enough to accommodate turning of the blank the said shaft and consequently the tongs are turned half around by the actuation of the mechanism operatively connecting the said shaft with the cam E8. The shape of the cam E8 is furthermore such that the tongs-bearing shaft and consequently the tongs are turned in opposite directions alternately upon successive upward movements of the blank upwardly from the anvil so that the hammer-blows are delivered upon oppohere remark that the trend of the working surface of the cam E9 is also preferably such vthat the tongs and consequently the blank are somewhat raised during the actuation of the tongs toward the anvil to facilitate the entrance of the blank into the anvil-recess U.

The blank is retained between the anvil and hammer until the work upon the blank is completed as already indicated, whereupon the blank is withdrawn from between the hammer and anvil by the rearward or outward movement of the tongs-bearing shaft as hereinbefore described. As soon as the tongs during its withdrawal from the anvil has moved far enough to accommodate the discharge or removal of the finished product from the tongs downwardly through an openl would ing M2 'formed in the table M the sleeve s is' withdrawn Vfrom between the ljaw-arms t3 to permit the opening oit the tongs by the spring t2 and accommodate the removal o'l the finished product from the tongs. drawal oin the sleeve s from between the jawarms t3 is effected by means which preferably comprise an arm Q operatively mounted (see Figs. 1, 2 and 16) on a shaft Q which is supported from the table lvl and arranged horizontally and parallel with the cam-shaft E about midway between the box m and the stationary 'frame-work J and about midway between the lateral sweep of the tongs and the table M. The shaft Q is operatively provided at one end with an upwardly projectinfr arm operatively connected by a link Qt iith a lever i* which is iulcrumed, as at Q5, horizontally and parallelly with the shafts and E, to the stationary yframe-work J and bears a roller QG Yfhieh engages the peripheral working surface o1PA a cam En operatively nounted on the cam-shalt E. The rollerbearing lever is continually held in engagement with the said surface et the cam En by a suitably applied spring 7 which is shown attached at one end to the link Q5" and at its other end to the iframe-work il'. rlhe parts are so arranged and the cam E has such shape that immedir-tely upon the withdrawal of the tongs-bearing shalt rearwardly from the anvil tar enough upon the completion ot the work upon the blank borne by the tongs, the arm Q of' the shalt Q comes into engagement with a forwardly 'facing annular shoulder 30 'formed on the sleeve s and thereupon actuates the said sleeve rearwardly against the action of the spring Q7 far enough to permit the tongs to open.

The trend of the cam E8 which, as already indicated, participates in the rotation of the gear n is 'furthermore such that the gear is held stationary during the actuation oic the turn-table lso that during the movement ot the tongs-bearing sh att laterally to bring the tongs 'from their blank-receiving position into position a( cent the anvil or from the last-mentioned position into their blankreceiving position the pinion 7c and consequently the tongs-bearing shaft and tongs are given a quarter turn. rl`he quarter turn given to the tongs during the actuation of the tongs from their blank-receiving position into their position adjacent the anvil is unimportant, but as the :aws t of the tongs at either end oi the lateral range oi movement el the tongs are arranged the one above the other the quarter turn given to the tongs during their movement into their blankreceiving position is important to accommodate the application of a cooling fluid to both jaws oi the tongs from above during the lastmentioned movement of the tongs, and the turn-table-actuating cam E7 has preferably such shape that the tongs will rest or dwell The withsomewhat midway of their lateral range of movement during the return of the tongs into their' blank-receivingl position.

l/Vhat I claim isz- 1 1. Blank-conveying apparatus comprising a suitably supported blank-feeder having a blank-holder arranged to receive and carry a blank; means for operating the blank-'feede 'j suitably supported movable tongs instrumental in conveying the blank removed from the said blank-holder, said tongs in their blank-reeeiving` position being 'forwardly of but in suitable proximity to the blankholder; a suitably supported guide instrumental in guiding a blank removed from the said blank-holder to the tongs, and means for effecting the ipiassage of the blank from the blank-holder into engagement with and along the guide to the tongs.

12. Blank-conveying apparatus comprising a suitably operated blank-feeder having a blank-holder terminating' at one end in a hook for carrying a link-blank having unljoined extremities and adapted to be hung on the hook; suitably supported movable tongs instrumental in conveying the blanks removed from the aforesaid blank-holder;

said tongs in their blank-receiving position being arranged in suitable proximity to the blank-holder; a suitably supported guide instrumental in guiding a blank removed from the blank-holder to the tongs; and means for so removing the blank from the hook of the blank-holder onto the guide that the blank delivered onto the guide is presented With its extremities toward the blankreceiving end of the guide.

3. In blank-conveying apparatus, the combination, r. ith a suitably supported movable blank-holder arranged to receive and carry a blank; suitably supported and suitably actuated movable tongs ada )ted to receive and thereupon convey a blank removed from the said blank-holder, said tongs in their blank-receiving position being arranged a suitable distance from the travel of the blank-holder; and a suitably supported guide instrumental in guiding the blank from the blank-holder to the tongs; of a suitably supported and suitably operated endu'ise shiftable rod having a limited range of movement vertically, which rod is arranged above and movable longitudinz'tlly ofthe aforesaid guide and provided at one end a ith means arranged to remove the blank from the blank-holder onto and along the guide to the tongs during the actuation ofthe rod, and means for operating the rod.

Il. In blank-conveying apparatus, the combination, with a suitably supported movable blank-holder arranged to receive and .carry a blank; suitably supported and suitably actuated movable tongs adapted to receive and thereupon convey a blank removed from the blank-holder, said tongs in their bl ank-receiving position being arranged a suitable distance from the travel of the blank-holder, and a suitably supported guide instrumental in guiding the blank .from the blank-holder to the tongs, of a suitably supported ende'ise shiftable rod having a limited range of movement vertically, which i'od is arranged above and movable longitudinally of the aforesaid guide and provided ith means arranged to remove the blank from the blank-holder onto and along the guide to the tongs during the actuation of the rod; means for shifting the rod endivise in one direction; means for shifting the rod endwise in the opposite direction; means acting to retain the rod in its lower position, t

and means for raising the rod from its lower into its upper position.

5. In blank-conveying apparatus, the combination, with a suitably supported movable blank-holder arranged to receive and carry a blank; suitably supported and suitably actuated movable tongs adapted to receive and thereupon convey a blank removed from the blank-holder, said tongs in their blank-receiving position being arranged a suitable distance form the travel of the blank-holder, and a suitably supported guide instrumental in guiding the blank from the blank-holder to the tongs, of a suitably supported endv/ise sliiftable rod .having a limited range of movement vertically, which rod is arranged above and movable longitudinally of the aforesaid guide and provided with means arranged to remove the blank from the blank-holder onto and along the guide to the tongs during the actuation of the rod; means for shifting the rod endwise in one direction; means for shifting the rod endwise in the opposite direction; means acting to retain the rod in its lovverposition; asuitably supported shaft arranged below and transversely of the rod and operatively provided with an arm a'll'ording bearing to and instrumental in supporting the rod, and means for oscillating the shaft in the direction required to raise the rod against the action Aof the means acting as aforesaid to retain the rod in its lower position.

(i. ln blank-conveying apparatus, the combination; with a suitably supported movable blank-holder arranged to receive and carry a blank; suitablysupported and suitably actuated movable tongs adapted to receive and thereupon convey a blank removed from the blank-holder, said tongs in their blank-receiving position being arranged a suitable distance from the travel of the blank-holder, and a suitably supported guide instrumental in guiding the blank from the blank-holder to the tongs, of a suitably supported end `vise shiftable rod having a limited range of movement vertically, which rod is arranged above and movable longitudinally of the aforesaid guide and provided with means arranged to iemove the blank from the blank-holder onto and along the guide to the tongs during the actuation of the rod; means for shifting the rod endwise in one direction; means for shifting the rod endwise in the opposite direction; means acting to retain the rod in its lower position; a sui-tably supported shaft arranged below and transversely of the rod and operatively provided with an arm affording bearing to and instrumental in supporting the roc, which arm is provided with means for preventing lateral displacement of the rod, and means for oscillating the shaft in the direction required to raise the rod against the action of the means acting as aforesaid to retain the rod in its lower position.

7. ln blankconveying apparatus, the combination, with a suitably supported movable blank-holder arranged tov receive and carry a blank; suitably supported and suitably actuated movable tongs adapted to receive and thereupon convey a blank removed from the blank-holder, said tongs in their blank-receiving position being arranged a suitable distance from the travel of the blankdiolder, and a suitably supported guide instrumental in guiding the blank from the blank-holder to the tongs, of a suitably supported endwise shiftable rod having a limited range of movement vertically, which rod is arranged above and movable longitudinally of the aforesaid gli and provided with means arranged to re-l move the blank from the blank-holder onto and along the guide to the tongs during the actuation of the rod; means for actuating the rod endwise; a suitably applied spring acting to retain the rod in its lower position; a suitably supported shaft arranged below and transversely of the rod and operatively provided with an arm aifording bearing to and instrumental in supporting the rod, which arm is provided with means for preventing displacement of the rod upwardly from the arm, and means for oscillating the shaft in the direction required to raise the rod against the action of the aforesaid spring.

8. ln blankconveying apparatus, the combination, with a suitably supported movable blank-holder arranged to receive and carry a blank; suitably supported and suitably actuated movable tongs adapted to receive and thereupon convey a blank removed from the blank-holder, and a suitably supported guide instrumental in guiding the blank from the blank-holder to the tongs, of a suitably supported endwise shiftable rod having a limited range of movement vertically, which vrod is arranged above and movable longitudinally of the aforesaid guide and provided with means arranged to remove the blank from the blank-holder onto and along the guide to the tongs during the actuation of the rod means for actuating O"fide elogiar the rod endwise; means acting to retain theV rod in its lower position; a suitably supf.

ported sliait arranged below and transversely of the iod and peratively provided with an arm affording bearing to and instrumental in supporting the rod, which arm is provided with means for preventing displacement of the rod upwardly from the arm; another suitably supported and suitably actuated shaft arranged below and parallel with the first-mentioned shaft, and means for transmitting motion to the upper shaft from the lower shaft.

9. ln blankconveying apparatus, the combination, with a suitably supported movable blank-holfler arranged to receive and carry a blank; suitably supported amil suitably actuated movable tongs adapted to receiveand thereupon convey a blank removed from the blank-holder, and a suitably supported guide instrumental in guiding the blank from the blank-holder to the tongs, of a suitably supported movable rod movable longitudinally of the guide and provided with means arranged to remove the blank from the blank-holder onto and along the guide to the tongs during the actuation of the rod, and means for operating the rod.

10. In blank-feeding apparatus, the combination, with a suitably supported movable blank holder' arranged to receive and carry a blank; suitably supported and suitably actuated movable tongs adapted to receive and thereupon convey a blank removed from the blank-holder, said tongs in their blank-receiving position being arranged a suitable distance from the travel of the blank-holder, and a suitably supported guide instrumental in guiding the blank from the blank-holder to the tongs, of a suitably supported endwise shiftable iod having a limited range of movement vertically, which rod is arranged and movable longitudinally of the aforesaid guide and provided with means arranged to remove the blank from the blank-holder onto and along the guide to the tongs during the actuation of the rod; means for effecting the endwise movement of the rod, and means for effecting a movement of the rod up and down.

1i. In blank-feeding apparatus, the combination, with a suitably supported movable blank-holder arranged to receive and carry a blank; suitably supported and suitably actuated movable tongs adapted to receive and thereupon convey a blank removed from the blank-holder, said tongs in their blank-re ceiving position being arranged a suitable distance from the travel of the blank-holder, and a suitably supported guide instrumental in guiding the blank from the blank-holder to the tongs, of a suitably supported endwise shiftable rod having a limited range of nievement vertically, which rod is arranged and movable longitudinally of the aforesaid guide and rovided with means arranged to remove the ila-nk from the blank-holder onto and along the guide to the tongs during' the artuation of the rod; means for e'lleeting a movement of the rod up and down; a suitably supported shaft arranged belov.r and transversely of' the rear end of the rod and operatively provided with an upwardly projeeting arm; a link operatively connecting the rod with the said arm; means for oscillating the shaft in the direction required to actuate the rod ferwardlj,v toward the blankholder, and means aetinpr to retain the rod in its rearward position.

12. ln blank-convcyingr apparatus, the combination, with a suitabl).Y operated and suitably supported blank-feeder comin-iL 'ng suitably spaced blank-holders terminating at one end respectiveljj, V in a hook arranged to receive and carry a blank adapted to be hung' on the hook, and suitablgr supported and suitably actuated movable tongs adapted to receive and thereupon convey a blank removed from the lLilank-feeder` said tongs in their blank-receiving' positionl being' arranged a suitable distance from the blank-lmlder from which a blank is next to be removed, of a suitably supported guide instrumental in guiding a blank from the last-nuntioned blank-holder to the tones, and two suitably supported and suitably actuated laterali),r

` spaced. andlaterally sprint/'y members adapted to straddle the last-mentioned blankbolder and movable during' their actuation into` their blmik-removine` position at the rear of the blank and also having; such range of movement Ithat duringr their' actuation the last-mentioned blank is removed from the said blank-holder onto the guide and actuated along the guide to the tongs.

13. ln blank-conveyingr apparatus, the combination, with a suitably operated and suitably supported blank-feeder comprising suitably spaced blank-holders terminating' at one end respectivelyr in hook arranged to receive and carry a blank adapted to be hung' on the hook, and suitably supported and suitably actuated movable tongs adapted 4to receive and thereupon convejv` a blank removed frein the blank-feeder, said tongs in their blank-receiving position being' arranged a suitable distance from the blank-holder from which a blank is next to be removed, of a suitab y supported guide instrumental in Iguiding' a blank from the last-mei'rtioned blank-holder to the tongs; a suitablyY supported shit'table rod arranged above and movable longitudinally ol the guide, said rod being provided at one end with two laterally spaced and laterall;V springy members arranged to straddle the .last-mentioned blankholder and movable during the actuation of the rod into their blank-removing` position at the rear of the blank and also having such range ol movement that during' the actuation oit tho rod the last-1nentioned blank is removed from the said blank-holder onto the guide and actuated along' the guide to the tongs, and. means for operatingI the rod.

141-. ln blank-c xnveyingg apparatus, the combination, with a suitably` operated and suitably supptnted bla .liz-feeder erm'iprisinf.;l etpridistantly spaced blank-holders terminatura` at one end respectively in a hook arranged to receive and carry a blank adapted to be hung on the hook, and suitably supported and suitably actuated movable tongs adapted to receive and thereupon convej,Y a blank removed from the blank-feeder, said tongs in their blank-receivinp; position being' arrangfjed a suitablel distance from the blankholder from which a blank is next to be removed, of a suitably supported guide instrumental in guiding' a blank from the last-mentioned blank-holder to the tongs, and two suitably supported and suitably actuated laterally spared and laterally springy members adapted to straddle the last-mentiene:l blank-holder and movable during' their actuation into their blank-removing position at the rear ol the blank and also having such range ol movement that during' their actuation the last-mentioned blank is removed from the said blank-holder onto the guido and actuated along" the guide to the tongs, said blank-removing members being provided with forwardly projecting and forwardly rli\ei';;iiig portions to facilitate the straddlin;l ol the said blank-holder by the said blauk-removing members.

15. ln blauk-conveyinO' apparatus, the combination, with a suitaolv operatori and suitablyY supported blank-carrier comprising suitably spaced blank-holders terminating at one end respectively in a hook arranged to Areceive and carry a link-blank adapted to be hung' on the hook, and suitably supported and suitably actuated movable tongs adaptcd to 'receive and thereupon convey a blank removed from the blank-lmfder, said tongs in their blank-reeeiviug position being); arranged a suitable distancey from the blank-holder from which a blank is next to be removed, of a suitably supported guide instrurmuital in ,guiding a blank from the last-mentioru-d blank-lu'ilder to the tongs, and two suitably supported and suitabl)r actuated laterally spaced and laterally spring)V members adapted to straddle the last-mentioned blankholder andmovable during' their actuation into their l)lank-removing position at the rear of the blank and also having such range of n'rovement that during` their actuation the last-mentioned blank is removed from the said blank-holder onto the guidel and actuated along; the guide to the tongs, said blank-removing members eonvcrging` toward their lower ends and havingl lorwardl)7 diverg'ilu)r iii "neng portions to facilitate the straddling of the said blank-holder hy the said 1nlank-removing members.

16. ln blank-conveying apparatus, the combination, with a suitablyT supported blank-holder arranged to receive and carry a hlanlr; sultan y supported and suitably actuated movahle tongs instrumental in cenveying a hlanl; removed from the blankholder, and a suitably supported guide instrumental in guiding a hlanlr from the blank-holder te the tongs, of a suitahlv supported and suitably actuated rod having a limited range of movement vertically, which rod is movaole longitudinally of the aforesaid guide, said rod being provided with t-wo laterally spaced and laterally springy members arranged to straddle the blank-holder and movable during the actuation of the rod into their 1olauli-removing position at the rear of the blank and also having such range of movement that during the actuation of the rod the hlanlr is removed from the blankholder onto the guide and actuated along the guide to the tongs, said blank-removing members having forwardly projecting and forwardly diverging portions to facilitate the straddling of the said blank-holder by the said 1olank-removing members; means for shifting the rod toward the blank-holder; means for shifting the rod in the opposite direction; means acting to retain the rod in its lower position, and means for raising the rod, all arranged and operating substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

17. Blank-conveying apparatus comprisa laterally extending ing porting the said shaft; means for operating the turn-table; 'bevel-gear supported from the turn-table and arranged with its axis coincident with the axis of the turn-table; means whereby the is held stationary d uring the operation of the turn-table, and a bevel-pinion operatively mounted on the tongs-hearing shaft and meshing with the gear.

L Blank-conveying apparatus comprising a laterally extending tongs-hearing shaft; a turn-table supporting and arranged below the tongs-hearing shaft; means for operating the turn-table; an upright axle arranged centrally of the turn-talcle; a lievelgear on the axle above the turn-table; means whereby the gear is held stationary during the operation of the turn-table, and a lievelpinion operatively mounted on the tongshearing shaft and meshing with the gear.

19. Blank-conveying apparatus comprising a laterally extending tongs hearing shaft; a turn-table supporting the tongsliearing shaft and having a depending huh; means for operating the turn-table; an upright lJoX affording lateral hearing to the hul) of and supporting the turn-table an uptongs-hearing j shaft; suitably supported turn-table supi A ignt axle having lateral hearing in the said ino a lzevel-.Oear 'fixed to the axle and supiortcd frein turn-table, said axle and gear being arranged with their aXes coincident with the axis of the turn-table; means w ierelay the gear is held stationary during the operation of the turn-table, and a hevelpinion operatively mounted on the tongshearing shaft and meshing with the gear.

ln 1elanl-conveying apparatus, the combination, with a suitably supported 'shaft having lateral movement and provided at one end with tongs which comprise two jaws movahle relative to each other to open or close the tongs andprovided each with an arm extending from the respective jaw toward the opposite end of the shaft, means acting to retain the jaws in their open position, and a sleeve slidably mounted on the shaft and arranged to move between the arms of the jaws during its forward movement to actuate the jaws outwardly and thereby close the tongs, of means located at one extremity' of the lateral movement of the aforesaid shaft and arranged to actuate the sleeve in one direction, and means located at Lhe other extremity of the said movement and arranged to actuate the sleeve in the opposite direction.

2l. ln 'blank-conveying apparatus, the

l Y z v comoination, with a suitaolysupported shaft having lateral movement and provided at one end with tongs which comprise two jaws movable relative to each other to open or close the tongs and provided each with an arm extending from the respective jaw toward the opposite end of the shaft, means acting to retain the jaws in their open position, and a sleeve slidahly mounted on the shaft and arranged to move between the arms of the jaws and adapted during its forward movement to actuate the jaws outwardly and ther-el) r close the tongs, of means located at one extremity of the lateral movement of the shaft and arranged to move the sleeve in one direction, and a suitaloly supported and suitably actuated oscillatoryI shaft arranged under the said range of movement and having an arm located at the other extremity of the said movement and arranged to actuate the sleeve in the other direction.

ln 1clank-conveying apparatus, the combination, with an endwise shiftable shaft provded at one end with lolank-conveying tongs, wiich shaft has lateral movement, and means acting to retain the shaft in position holding the tongs in their rearward position, of means arranged to engage the other end of the shaft when the latter is in position at one end of its range of lateral movement and actuate the shaft forwardly.

23. Blank-conveying ap aratus comprising endwise shiftable laterally movable oscillatory blank-conveying tonOs which have suitably operated blank-grasping jaws and are in position l'or the delivery ot a blank eon- Veyed thereby or to receive a blank according as the tongs are in position at the one or the other extremity of' their range of lateral movement, said tongs being supported to render them capable of beine' swung in a vertical plane as well as to permit lateral, end- Wise and oscillatory movement olE the tongs, means acting to retain the I )lank-grasping jaws open, and means for closing the jaws upon the reception oi a blank by the tongs.

24. In blank-conveying apparatus, the combination, with an endwise shil'table shaiit provided at one end with blank-eonveying tongs, a suitably supported turn-table bearing the shaft means for operating the turntable, and means acting to retain the shalt in position holding the tongs in their rearward position, of an endwise shiitable member .provided with a head arranged to engage the other end of the shaft and actuate the latter forwardly when the tongs have been brought into position to deliver a blank borne thereby, a sleeve on the said shaft-shitting member, a yieldable member' interposed between the head and the sleeve, and means l'or aetuating the sleeve endwise.

25. The combination, with means adapted t0 Operate on the blank, of blank-conveying apparatus comprising a blank-feeder arranged a suitable distance from the -firstmentioned means; a turnable endwise shiltable shaft provided at one end with tongs instrumental in conveying the blank to the first-mentioned means, said tongs in their blank-reeeiving position being arranged in suitable proximity to the blank-feeder; a suitably supported guide instrumental in guiding the blank from the bl rik-holder to the tongs; means for removing a blank from the blank-holder onto and along the guide to the tongs; a suitably supported turn-table bearing the endwise shiftable shaft, means for turning the turn-table, and a suitably applied spring acting to retain the shaft in position holding the tongs in their rearward position, of suitably operated and suitably applied yieldable means arranged to actuate the tongs-bearing shalt endwise against the action ol' the s ning.

26. The com iination, with means adapted to operate on a blank, ol blank-conveying apparatus comprising the followingz-an endwise shil'table shai't supported as required to render it capable ol movement laterally and also eapable ot being swung in a vertical plane, which shalt is provided with blankconveying tongs which are in position to present a blank to the `iirst-inentioned means or to receive a blank aeeording as the shaft has been actuated into position at the one or the other extremity of its lateral movement;

means acting to retain the blank-grasping jaws oi' the tongs open; means for closing the jaws upon the reception ol a blank by the tongs g suitably operated means for turning the shait in opposite directions alternately, and means i'or actuating the tongs-bearing shaft endwise.

27 The combination, with means adapted to operate on a blank, of blanlseonveying apparatus comprising the following a suitably operated turn-table; an endwise shiftable shalt borne by the turn-table and provided with blank-conveying tongs which are in position to present a blank to the iirstmentioned means or to receive a blank aeeording as the turn-table has been actuated in the one or the other direction, means aeting to retain theblank-grasping jaws ot the tongs open g means for closing the jaws upon the reception of a blank by the tongs 3 a suitably aetuated turn-table support-ing member pivotally supported as required to render it eapable of being swung in a vertical plane; suitably operated means for turning the shalt in opposite directions alternately, and means l'or actuating the tongs-bearing shal't endwise. j

ln testimony whereof, I sign the foregoing speeiiieation, in the presence ol two witnesses.

PHILANDER H. STANDISH.

/Vitnesses C. H. Donna, VICTOR C. LYNCH. 

